Tech
21 MIDI Mouse
July
14, 1995MIDI
Mouse is a compact, portable and exceptionally user friendly MIDI footcontroller.
While it can be powered by a standard 9V adaptor, it is also operable with a 9V
battery as well as "phantom" power operable via MIDI cable.
The simplicity of its design offers the MIDI-masterful and the MIDI-mindless access
to 128 patches on any of the 16 selectable MIDI channels. The MIDI Mouse's
stomp-box format features 3 footswitches with smooth-action custom actuators.
The Active/Search footswitch alternates between two modes. In Active mode, the
3-digit numerical display remains lit, while the Up and Down footswitches change
the patches one at a time to instantly send the information through the MIDI Out
port. In Search mode, the numerical display blinks. Using the Up or Down footswitches,
you can speed-scroll forward or backward to a desired location without sending
any patch change information. Depressing the Active/Search footswitch re-engages
the Active mode and instantly sends the new MIDI program number through
the
MIDI Out port. There are a few more details in what is probably the world's
smallest owner's manual for a MIDI product, but the main points to consider are:
SMALL- Measures in at just 3-1/2" x 4-1/2". Fits into any gig
bag. Needs no special carrying case. Takes up very little space on stage. Easily
sits on a console in a studio, so you can make remote program changes from the
board with your finger. BATTERY OPERABLE - It's the only MIDI foot controller
available that's battery operable. Needs no extra wires. Takes no time to set
up; just plug in and go. SIMPLE - It's player-friendly in a familiar stomp
box format. Most foot controllers are harder to program than the processors they're
designed to control. HEAVY DUTY - Sturdy, cast aluminum box; high quality
switches. NO DANCING - There are no banks to change. You scroll to program
locations, either one at a time, or you can "speed-scroll". To go from
Program 19 to Program 20, step on the UP footswitch. Once. From Program 20 to
Program 19, step on the DOWN footswitch. Once. IMPROVISATION - Its size
and affordability makes it uniquely practical to have two, so you can control
two processors independently on the fly. For
more information, visit their web site at
http://www.tech21nyc.com/. | 
